Day 3:  Monday, August 13, 2007

We began this morning with a couple group lectures, one that focused on Water and Sanitation issues in Jamaica and the other that discussed the recent malaria outbreak in Jamaica that began last winter.  It was interesting to learn how important water is in the prevention and spread of infectious disease.  More importantly though, was being able to observe what we learned and apply it within a public health setting.  In the afternoon, we visited the Mona Water Treatment Plant and the UWI Sewage Treatment Plant.  We were able to walk through each step of water treatment, from sedimentation and flocculation, to chlorination.  I realized how much Americans and others in developed countries take for granted their access to and quantity of safe, potable water.

Even more appalling though was the sewage treatment system-from which the stench was horrific.  And it also seemed outdated, especially considering the growing size of the population that it serves in Kingston.  It was hard to believe how several communities are able to live in such close vicinity to this treatment center.

The most entertaining aspect of our field visit was our interaction with the locals. With the help of some Jamaicans, we were able to enjoy fruits from a tree that was native to Jamaica.  One young man, who was missing one leg, graciously climbed the tree for us-a feat that most of us can't even accomplish with two legs.  For me, this brief interaction represents part of the reason I've come to Jamaica.  Because while it is about learning, and about being in a key public health setting, it's also about being out of your element, appreciating what you have, what others have, and what you have in common.